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The chitosan market size is estimated to grow by USD 18.68 billion at a CAGR of 23.31% between 2023 and 2028. Market growth hinges on several factors, including emerging applications in various end-user industries, rising demand for chitosan in the cosmetics sector, and significant chitosan demand in the Asia-Pacific region. These drivers underscore the versatility and market potential of chitosan, a natural polymer derived from chitin, found in crustacean shells. Its unique properties, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability, have fueled its adoption in diverse applications, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture. Moreover, chitosan's eco-friendly nature aligns with the sustainability goals of many industries, further boosting its appeal. As research and development efforts continue to explore new applications and improve production processes, chitosan is poised for continued growth and expanded market reach in the coming years. It also includes an in-depth analysis of drivers, trends, and challenges. Furthermore, the report includes historic market data from 2018 to 2022.
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The water treatment segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. There is an increasing use of these across the water treatment segment due to its ability to remove heavy metals and chemicals from wastewater. There is a growing popularity of the use of this segment as it is considered the most efficient material for the adsorption of water pollutants in wastewater treatment.
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The water treatment segment was the largest segment and was valued at USD 2.43 billion in 2018. Some of the main properties of chitosan include high biodegradability, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity. It is widely used in the wastewater treatment segment as it presents a high content of amino and hydroxyl functional groups, which enables the removal of various aquatic pollutants. Additionally, they neutralize and flocculates the suspended anionic colloidal particles due to the presence of cationic charge present in these, which enables the reduction of chemicals in waste water. Hence, such factors are expected to fuel the growth of this segment which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period.
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APAC is estimated to contribute 59% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. One of the main factors that are significantly contributing to the growth of the market in APAC is the growing demand for foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals and biomedicines, and cosmetics.
Additionally, the immense availability of raw materials, including shrimps and crabs, in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand makes APAC the leading producer of these and its derivatives. One of the leading markets with an increasing consumption in APAC is Japan due to the immense availability of these as well as its increasing use in wastewater treatment. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of these in wastewater treatment and cosmetics is positively impacting the market in the region. Hence, such factors are expected to drive the market growth in APAC during the forecast period.
Chitosan, derived from shrimp shells, crab shells, and squid pens, offers various health benefits and is widely used as a food preservative, stabilizer, clarifying agent, and thickening agent. It finds application in packaging food products and treating industrial wastewater, including textile wastewaters and those contaminated with organochloride pesticides and oil impurities. Their properties include antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, emulsifying properties, and nutrient encapsulation. It is also used as a humectant. The market includes various forms, such as alpha, beta, and gamma chitosan, as well as chitin. Interest in chitosan is driven by its potential in addressing health issues like hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and inflammations, along with its role in sustainable practices.
One of the key factors driving the market growth is the emerging applications from end-user industries. There is an increasing demand due to its rising use for various emerging applications, including agrochemicals, fuel cells, photographic products, cardiovascular disease treatments, textiles, ophthalmology, and paper and pulp. There is an increase in R&D investments which is also positively impacting the market. Chitosan is indeed gaining popularity for various applications due to its low cost and abundant availability from sources like crustacean shells, shrimps, crabs, and krill.
Additionally, this popularity extends to functional food development, industrial applications, and raw material sourcing, driven in part by economic incentives. Chitosan is also valued for its antimicrobial properties, which play a role in its manufacturing processes. For example, in ophthalmology, this is widely utilized to develop ocular drug delivery systems due to its non-toxicity, good ocular tolerance, and biological behavior. Hence, such factors are positively impacting the market which in turn will drive the market growth during the forecast period.
A key factor shaping the market growth is the increasing preference for bio-based products. The market is significantly influenced by the stringent government policies and regulations on the use of synthetic ingredients in the pharmaceutical sector. Several regulatory bodies, including the FDA, regularly monitor the safety and purity of ingredients.
Moreover, the main advantage of chitosan is that it is completely biodegradable and is manufactured from sustainable, ecologically acceptable materials. In addition, it can be widely used as raw material which can be leveraged for the conversion into several high-value bio-based products. Hence, such factors are positively impacting the market which in turn will drive market growth during the forecast period.
Limitations of chitosan affecting its demand are one of the key challenges hindering market growth. Even though there are numerous benefits of chitosan, there are certain drawbacks associated with it as well. The main demerit of chitosan is that it has low stability above pH 6.5. Additionally, its derivatives are not soluble in water as well as organic solvents.
Moreover, to make chitosan soluble, certain chemical modifications should be done without compromising its initial properties. Furthermore, other demerits are that chitosan membranes are highly stiff, brittle, and have low mechanical resistance. Hence, such factors are negatively impacting the market which in turn will hinder the market growth during the market growth.
The market research report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their growth strategies.
Global Market Customer Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.
The research report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about 20 market companies, including:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024 to 2028, as well as historical data from 2018 to 2022 for the following segments.
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Alpha chitosan, beta chitosan, and chitin strand structure are key components in the market. They are sourced from dendrobranchiata and caridea, supporting the fishery industry and aquaculture. They exhibit antibacterial, anticancerous, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, making it valuable in various applications. The manufacturing process involves raw material sourcing, often from coastal areas, amid industry rivalry and local government support through subsidies and economic incentives. Used as a natural food preservative, chitosan's antimicrobial properties extend to coatings on bread, enhancing shelf life and inhibiting spoilage bacteria growth. It finds application in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors, including drug manufacturing, skin and hair care products, dental care, and color cosmetics. Additionally, it aids in functional food development and is sold through online retail and eCommerce platforms. They are used in municipal wastewater reuse and industrial applications for cleansing and protective purposes aligns with modern lifestyles emphasizing sustainability.
Market Scope |
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
Page number |
178 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historic period |
2018-2022 |
Forecast period |
2024-2028 |
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 23.31% |
Market growth 2024-2028 |
USD 18.68 billion |
Market structure |
Fragmented |
YoY growth 2023-2024(%) |
18.59 |
Regional analysis |
APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa |
Performing market contribution |
APAC at 59% |
Key countries |
China, US, Japan, Germany, and UK |
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Key companies profiled |
Advanced Biopolymers AS, Axio Biosolutions Pvt. Ltd., Dainichiseika Color and Chemicals Mfg. Co. Ltd., Golden Shell Pharmaceutical, Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH, KIMICA Corp., KitoZyme LLC, Kraeber Co GmbH, Marshall Marine Products, Meron Group, Nitta Gelatin India Ltd., Novamatrix, Panvo Organics Pvt. Ltd., Primex ehf, Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry Co. Ltd., Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Tagrow Co. Ltd., Tokyo Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., and Xianju Tengwang Chitosan Factory |
Market dynamics |
Parent market analysis, Market growth inducers and obstacles, Fast-growing and slow-growing segment analysis, Market growth and Forecasting, COVID 19 impact and recovery analysis and future consumer dynamics, Market condition analysis for market forecasting period |
Customization purview |
If our report has not included the data that you are looking for, you can reach out to our analysts and get segments customized. |
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1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation by End-user
7 Market Segmentation by Source
8 Customer Landscape
9 Geographic Landscape
10 Drivers, Challenges, and Opportunity/Restraints
11 Competitive Landscape
12 Competitive Analysis
13 Appendix
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